U-17 MNT Fights for 2-2 Draw with Croatia at U17 World Cup

U-17 MNTOct 20, 2015

VINA DEL MAR, Chile (Oct. 20, 2015) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National team bounced back from an opening game defeat against Nigeria, to tie Croatia 2-2 in its second group game at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. It was a tale of two halves, with the USA grabbing a pair of goals in the first half and Croatia responding with two of its own in the second half. Ultimately the USA defense was able to hold on for the point.

It was Croatia that came out as the attacking team, pressing the USA with dangerous possession that the young Yanks did well to disrupt in their defensive third. In the 20th minute, the U.S. broke away on a counter, which led to Luca De La Torre assisting on a Christian Pulisic goal. Twenty minutes later, it was Pulisic providing the helper, sending in a cross that Brandon Vazquez headed in to put the U.S. up 2-0.

In the second half, Croatia responded with two goals, from Karlo Majic and Luka Ivanusec and continued to press until the final whistle, putting two chances off the post and the crossbar in the game’s final seconds.

The U.S. moves to 0-1-1 with the draw and will conclude group play on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. ET against host Chile, a match that will appear on FOX Sports 2 and NBC Universo.

A total of 24 countries are in Chile participating in the tournament. The top two teams in each group, as well as the best four third-place teams, advance to the Round of 16 on Oct. 28 and 29.

Goal Scoring Rundown:USA– Christian Pulisic (Luca De La Torre), 20th minute: Croatia pressured the U.S. defense for the first several minutes, but in the 20th the U.S. responded with a counter that led to the opening goal. Josh Perez started with it on the right and pressed ahead with pace, before centering to Luca De La Torre. De La Torre made a move near the top of the box and dished it over to Pulisic. Pulisic’s defender fell, which freed him to finesse a shot into the right corner to give the USA the lead. USA 1, CRO 0

USA– Brandon Vazquez (Christian Pulisic) 40th minute: From another counter, Pulisic attacked down the right sideline, sending in a long cross just before reaching the end line. The ball found Vazquez who jumped to it and headed in to put the U.S. up by two. USA 2, CRO 0

CRO– Karlo Majic, 65th minute: Croatia broke on an attack from the left and sent a long high cross into the box. As the Croatian offense and U.S. defense broke to it a pair from each side collided and the ball bounced off of them and fell at the feet of Majic, who took advantage of the opportunity and cut the USA lead to one. USA 2, CRO 1

CRO– Luka Ivanusec (Jospi Brekalo), 77th minute: Brekalo moved down the left side and positioned himself near the outside of the box. He made a darting move into the box and cut up to the top where he was freed to lay a pass off to Ivanusec, who slotted a throught through a defenders legs and in for a goal. USA 2, CRO 2 (FINAL)